. >>> "the chicago tribune," first lady michelle obama is headed to chicago this weekend to attend the funeral of 15-year-old pendleton. the honors stupid was shot last week in a chicago park just days after performing at the inauguration fest activities in d.c. pendleton was among more than 40 people gunned down in chicago last month, making janitz deadliest month in over a decade. unbelievable. >>> "the sun herald," a new study finds deep fried foods and sugary drinks may be causing serious health problems for people in the deep south. people who ate meals centered around burgers and sweet tea had a bigger chance of stroke. >>> a look inside the fifth annual products of the year awards. that will be fun. >> all right. cool. with us now, the chief white house correspondent for "politico," mike allen with a look at the "playbook." good morning. >> good morning and happy friday. >> there it is. not quite as enthusiastic as usual. >> happy friday! >> there it is. let's talk about marco rubio and his brand. that's what you're writing about this morning. he was on the cover of "time" as un